Mark O'Connell, 1950 - 2015, was a Viet Nam veteran, devoted husband and father, and one of the leaders in the creation and development of the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Grove. As AMVETS Post 219 Captain of the Honor Guard, he was honored for his dedication, vision, and unrelenting commitment to help others remember that the real heroes are those who gave their lives in service to the United States.